Cancún outcomes have laid firm foundations for global action on climate change
12 December, 2010 | Media Release
Unions have secured protection of the rights of workers in the transition to a low-pollution economy in final negotiations at the United Nations climate change conference in Cancún.
ACTU President Ged Kearney said inclusion of the interests of workers in the UN documents was a breakthrough that gave hope that action on climate change on a global level was progressing.
The ACTU was part of a delegation of unions from more than 40 countries around the world and the International Trade Union Confederation that worked hard to ensure the concept of a ‘just transition’ was included in the final documents from the Cancún conference.
Ms Kearney said that while the final statements may not be perfect, the outcome was a good building block for the future and lays a firm foundation for the next phase of international negotiations and action leading into the COP17 at Durban in 2011.
The ACTU congratulates the parties for anchoring Copenhagen commitments, an important step for multilateral cooperation. The commitments cover over 80 percent of the world’s emissions and will ensure together we are on the way to decreasing pollution globally.
The commitments also reflect the fact that action is already being taken at national level around the world to respond to the challenge of climate change by reducing pollution and promoting clean energy sources.
However, more needs to be done to ensure that action on climate change meets the objective of ensuring global temperature rises remain below 2oc.
The ACTU is particularly pleased that the hard work of the world’s unions has seen reference to the interests of workers around the world being reflected in the UN documents with strong reference to a ‘just transition’ for all workers and their communities as we move to a low pollution economy.
“The promotion and protection of the rights of workers in the transition to a low pollution economy is a critical issue for us,” Ms Kearney said.
“Ensuring that the outcomes from Cancún made reference to decent labour standards and good quality jobs is essential to promoting solutions that accelerate real and equitable solutions that are just and support workers and the most vulnerable.”
The establishment of an international fund to assist developing countries adapt to a low pollution economy and to reduce carbon emissions is a most significant development for the Cancún conference.
“The commitment by developed countries is a groundbreaking achievement,” Ms Kearney said.
“We acknowledge the important role the Australian Minister for Climate Change, Greg Combet, played as co-facilitator of the working party responsible for this important outcome.
“With Copenhagen pollution reduction commitments now anchored, workers’ rights recognised and the international fund established, the global pathway is clearer for strong action to halt global warming. It is now critical that Australia joins the global action by establishing a price on pollution.
“Efforts to reduce emissions at home will require socially and environmentally responsible investments that can drive employment. It must be decent work in new low pollution technology sectors and in traditional jobs that are made more environmentally sustainable.”
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Mark Phillips
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